Media & Communications Raleigh, NC Pop. 467,665

Interpreter Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina

The median interpreter salary in Raleigh, NC is $55,948 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$55,948
vs State Avg
+$3,425
vs National
$-1,142
Cost of Living
98%

Interpreter Pay in Raleigh: What to Expect (2026)

Raleigh offers a median interpreter salary of $55,948, which is $3,425 above the North Carolina state average of $52,523. Compared to the national median of $57,090, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Raleigh's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for interpreters in Raleigh spans from $31,360 at the 10th percentile to $98,980 at the 90th percentile — a $67,620 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,300, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,100. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Interpreter Salary in Raleigh by Experience

In Raleigh, an entry-level interpreter earns around $34,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,300
$-700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,840
$-1,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,100
$-1,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC

Percentile Raleigh
10th Percentile $31,360
25th Percentile $41,160
Median (50th) $55,948
75th Percentile $76,440
90th Percentile $98,980

Interpreter Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

How to Become a Interpreter in Raleigh

Education

Most interpreter positions require a bachelor's degree. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook

Nationally, interpreter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Interpreter Jobs in Raleigh

Browse open interpreter positions in Raleigh, NC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Raleigh

How much does a Interpreter make in Raleigh, NC? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Raleigh, North Carolina is $55,948 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $31,360 (10th percentile) to $98,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Raleigh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,948, a interpreter in Raleigh earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Raleigh compare to the North Carolina state average for interpreter pay? ▼
Raleigh's median interpreter salary of $55,948 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $52,523. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Raleigh, NC? ▼
Raleigh has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a interpreter salary of $55,948 in Raleigh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Raleigh? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Raleigh require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Bilingual Fluency, Consecutive Interpreting, Simultaneous Interpreting, Cultural Competency. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.